at what point do I need hydraulic steering?
 

I have a baja sport 250 that is under construction , the motor I am putting in right now is guesstimated at 450 hp. I am considering going larger in the future, maybe a super charger shooting for 600-700 hp when its all done. at what point does hydraulic steering become needed? I am not doing it yet, I am just curious for possible future plans.

As soon as you can afford it. You'll love it.

I have a 280 Velocity with a 502 mag. A couple of years ago I had a Imco add on installed. There was still more play in the 10 year old cable and helm then I liked so before spring launch I had my Marina, East Pier, finish the system and install a hydraulic helm etc.

It is wonderful and during the BlasckJack Run I believe it saved my boat and possibly me from serious damage. While running back to Buffalo at 60 mph, there was a a 6 inch log floating vertically with about a foot of it out of the water. By the time my wife and I saw it we were almost on top of it! I swerved to the right to miss it with the bow and immediately swung the opposite direction to swing the stern and out drive away. If I had still had that few inches of play in the system, I would have likely hit it.

IMO put the full hyd in as soon as possible.

As a rule most say 70 MPH is the cuttoff. Every boat is different. I have mine a 70 this year and it still feels good on a straight line. I plan on adding steering but its not in the budget yet. Have you checked the cost of them, $1500 for add on, much more for full.

Anything Past 70 is a must.

70 & over is the recomended useage, however it will only be better for you & your boat to have it Regardless of the speed. One of the nice things about it is external steering also helps to aleviate some of the stress on the gimble ring.. ;) Jamie / Lakeside

Sounds like a consensus here - Always good to have in a go-fast, but really a requirement over 70 MPH. I have full hydraulic steering and absolutely love it.

hydraulic steering
 

I ve got the same boat Baja 250 sport.
Hydraulic steering will be my next add on to it.
Does anyone know which system is best?

Thanks and Godbless

I have a 1990 w/1078 procharged 572, Install hyd steering ASAP.
I have made the conclusion trying to take a boat designed for 55 to 60 close to 100 (96gps) is crazy. I went to a cat.....

I think this is the right answer....

Full Hydraulic steering is AWESOME!!